Winter Series Huntington

[blackhawkxc]

Hey Pat - any word yet on this year's Winter Series in Huntington? I see where Charleston already has theirs advertised. Had a great time last year running it with my daughter and brother.

[ST]

Unless plans have changed I read where the series will be in Barboursville at the Barboursville Park. Each race will be a 5K. This is due to the fact the park will always have the road cleared of snow if needed and there will not be any races cancelled which can happen in downtown Huntington.

[mystery runner]

Too bad I'm not a 5K specialist.
I'll do the series in Charleston.

[ST]

I am referring to the "winter series" subject last posted on September 4th for the information I was relaying. You might want to go to that post to view Pat's and other's replies.

[Pat Riley]

Yes, the winter series will be in Barboursville this year and the first event is set for December 18th at the Barboursville Park. I know right now that the first race will be a 5K.

I have to find some time to sit down, do some serious thinking as to what we want to do with this series. I mean, we ARE GOING TO DO THE SERIES THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR, I just don't completely know what that series will look like.

Here is what we are looking at, and I would like to hear any feedback or ideas of what we can do. We cannot do a 10K at the Barboursville Park because there is no room. We cannot do a 10K in Huntington unless someone can help us come up with 30-40 volunteers to help us block off the roads and keep the runners safe!


We are looking at doing 3 5Ks right now. This will be an opportunity to test your fitness on the same or similar course throughout the winter. This will allow you to compare your times and see if you are gaining/losing fitness over the winter.

Let me know what you think!

I will have everything finalized next week!

[mucc]

I am greatful for the opportunity to run in the Winter Series. I really enjoyed it last year. What made it so much fun was the diversity of each run. I understand the logistical problems involved, but I believe that running three 5k's on the same course is going to bore runners and will lead to disinterest.

Running around the pond may have been a muddy, icy mess last year, but God it was fun. I wouldn't mind if we somehow incorporated the hill at the entrance into at least one of the races or maybe held one of races on the path in Ritter Park or even that fast route through Westmoreland. Partnering with the right folks/civic or non-profit organizations can help the volunteer effort. I know that the United Way of the River Cities had a very positive presence at last year's final Winter Series race. Just a thought.

Don't get me wrong, the Barboursville Park is great and I'm thrilled we have access to it. but too much of a good thing turns into the same old thing.

[David Muncy]

It's pretty obvious you're not gonna make everyone happy here. So just do what you want to do and stick to your guns. But, if you're asking for advice or what not, here's mine.

I know they're not traditional race distances, but have you considered doing a 3, 4, & 5 mile series.... ? The park CAN hold it. Even though the 5 miler was twice around the slushy lake path, it was still a VERY FUN race! ;D Definitely one of my faves of the year believe it or not, just for the uniqueness of it. I'm in favor of different distances for each race. But, if you decide NOT to do that, then I'll still be there!

[Geez]

I love this forum and it motivates me to get out and exercise. All the people that have critical things to say need to read David's post and think about how it was worded. There is a difference between making suggestions for positive change and rude/combative comments. Everyone has a right to there opinion but please be considerate of other people when making comments. Wording makes a big difference. Please make positive suggestions that will benefit everyone that would like to run, jog, walk or give of there time to make these races possible.

[guessed]

Geez,
Are you Norman Vincent Peale? Negativity is in the eye of the beholder. This forum would be a snoozarama if every comment were "Minnesota nice".

[middleagedrunner]

I think David's idea is excellent. I could also see having two 5ks and an 8K. I think at least one different distance would be desirable.

[ST]

A 5K and 5 miler can obviously be done at the B'ville Park and I believe a 10K is feasible. It would either have to involve a couple more laps around the lake or utilizing a portion of the hill going towards the entrance. Easy for me to say without knowing the logistics involved but the distance is there.

[Guest]

You should do a 5K, 10K, and then the 10 mile Trail Run for the series.

[Pat Riley]

And David Muncy wins! Well, his idea wins anyway!

We will be doing a 3 Miler, 4 Miler, and 5 Miler at the Barboursville park.

This will allow us to ensure that the roads are cleared and we have good racing conditions.

I hope that we do not receive 4 inches of snow the day before the races like we did last year.

The image on the Winter Series Site is a preview of what the shirts will look like!

Thanks and Email me with any questions!


We are also offering ONLINE ENTRIES THIS YEAR!! You can register for all three races online at one time!!!

If you register for all three races before December 15, you will receive a discount!

[Spencer Adkins]

Pat ... I need to get in touch with you regarding some folks who need help getting a race together in the spring. I am clearly not a race director but I told these folks I know someone who IS!

Where can I reach you or could you ping me at [e-mail]. Thanks!
Spencer

ps - if I could get this DARN KNEE working I'd enter all 3 races RIGHT NOW! Sounds like so much fun on my home turf!!!